Grace to Ukraine launches shoe drive

Through the end of May, local charity Grace to Ukraine will be collecting shoes to raise money for its orphan hosting program.

Grace to Ukraine was started by Greystone resident Suzette Davie to care for orphans in the Lugansk region of Ukraine. In addition to support for orphanages, the Davie family hosts orphans in the U.S. each summer for education and a chance to experience another country. The Davies have adopted several children from Ukraine as well.

In order to fund their upcoming summer's hosting program, Grace to Ukraine is partnering with Funds2Orgs to host a shoe drive. Funds2Orgs will collect the donated shoes and redistribute them to small enterprises in developing countries, where people can sell the shoes to earn money for their families.

Grace to Ukraine will receive funds based on the number of pairs of shoes donated as part of the drive. Davie said she hopes residents will look in their closet for a pair of new or gently worn shoes that they can donate, and to consider involving their service clubs or small groups.

“We raise the funds needed to give orphaned Ukrainian children the opportunity of a lifetime in traveling to Alabama and Funds2Orgs is able to help less fortunate people in developing countries become self-sufficient,” Davie said.

Those who wish to donate their shoes can call 914-8810 to schedule a pickup. The shoe drive ends May 31. For more information, visit gracetoukraine.net and funds2orgs.com.